With Labor Day right around the corner, there’s better time than now for employers to recognize all of the dedicated, hard-working employees who keep their company running. Behind any successful company is a strong workforce, which is why it’s important for employers to show their appreciation. So if you’re looking for an excuse to reward your employees with a crystal trophy, plaque award or some other gift, now is the perfect time.

A Little Bit About Labor Day…

Labor Day, which is held annually on the first Monday of September, is a nationally observed holiday that celebrates hard-working Americans and honors the American labor movement. Back in the mid-to-late 1800s, Americans worked an average of 12 hours per day, 7 days a week, and it wasn’t uncommon for children as young as 6 to work in laborious factories.

Labor Day is meant to recognize the hard-working Americans who keep this country running, and to recognize the crucial labor movement that resulted in safer working conditions.

Recognize Your Workforce This Labor Day

Whether you intend to stay open for business or not, you should use Labor Day to recognize your company’s hard-working employees. We discuss the importance of employee recognition in a previous post here on the AsapAwards.com blog, but the fact is that it’s a simple way to boost productivity, reduce turnover rates, and promote an all-around positive work environment. Several studies have shown that employees work harder and more efficiently when recognized by their boss.

Fun Facts About Labor Day:

• More than 80 countries throughout the world celebrate Labor Day, or some variation of their labor movement.
• Historians continue to debate over the origins of Labor Day, but the general belief is that it first occurred sometime in 1882.
• Labor Day marks the “unofficial” end of summer. Technically, the transition from summer to fall begins when the sun crosses the earth’s equator – a phenomenon referred to as the equinox.
• In addition to marking the end of summer, Labor Day also marks the beginning of the football season. NFL teams typically play their first game the following Thursday, whereas NCAA teams play their first game the following weekend.
• Labor Day is the nation’s second busiest retail shopping day of the year, only second to the chaotic post-Thanksgiving shopping extravaganza known as Black Friday.
• An unconventional fashion rule originated over a century ago which states that men and women shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day. Of course, this rule is largely disregarded by today’s society.